Chicago and Suburban Area Relocation Package

Relocating to a new city can be quite overwhelming.  It can be difficult to narrow down where you would like to live in a city like Chicago , with so many housing options.

The first step in the relocation process is becoming familiar with the local housing market in Chicago .  This will help you can make informed decisions about where to buy, and what type of housing you can get for your money. Finding and buying a home can be a risky and complicated endeavor if you are not well-informed about the choices available to you, even when you are moving within the local area you are already familiar with. Couple this with relocating to an entirely new city- possibly with a new job, family concerns, and a new lifestyle- and it could be the single most important decision you make. 

The expertise of a professional, experienced Diplomat realtor is highly advisable. 

Working with an experienced realtor can be the best solution to obtaining the most information about the area, schools, taxes, local housing values and trends, etc.   Select an agent well before you arrive to your destination - even if you don't plan to purchase for several months. Finding a realtor that is experienced and involved in the relocation industry is very important, because they will know that you need detailed information on neighborhoods, amenities, schools, and local housing prices before you even begin to decide where you will narrow your search for a home.

Before you talk to a realtor, it is a good idea to define what is really important to you in a home and neighborhood.  Ask yourself these questions:

1) Do we prefer a rural or city setting?                                                                   
2) What recreational facilities are important to us?
3) How far am I willing to be from work?
4) Is access to public transportation or school buses important?
5) What type of housing is our ideal - single family home, townhome, condominium, country home?
6) What type of rooms do we need?  How many living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms?
7) What are our future needs?  Is our family growing or will our children be nearing adulthood?  Do we foresee needing a home office or would we like to have space for a pool?
8) What is the difference between the average home price in my current town, and the average in my destination?  What will the same dollar buy - more or less?  What about cost of living other than housing?  Factor in any difference in your salary or income that the move will bring.
9) What loan amount do we qualify for?  What monthly payment is comfortable for us?

This will prepare you to begin looking and find the best home in your new town!

Moving Solutions

Careful consideration is needed when deciding whether to hire a moving company or do it yourself.� Many factors are involved, such as the distance of the move, the size of your household, the time factor involved and the budget or company reimbursement you have for this expense.

Moving Tips

When coordinating the move of household goods, several items require special care and attention.� Anytime you are moving pets, automobiles, waterbeds, antiques, plants, waterbeds or office/high-tech equipment, extra planning and coordination is necessary.

The two major items that need special moving are autos and family pets.� When considering automobiles in a move, often a full-service moving company will place a vehicle in the moving van.� When moving yourself, auto tow-trailers can be hitched to the back of a moving truck.� These arrangements, however, usually only handle one vehicle.� When considering a second or third vehicle, there are several options:

• Sell your vehicles prior to moving, and purchase new ones at your destination.

• Have one of the family members drive the vehicle to your destination.

• Hire an automobile transportation service to move the extra vehicle (s) for you.

"Timing is everything" when arranging a professional auto move.� Scheduling the move can be a challenging, complex and sometimes overwhelming undertaking.� There are school and office hours to consider, for example. It is important to use an auto mover that coordinates the move so that it most suits your needs, creating a smooth transition.

Pet Issues

Before you leave:

• Make an appointment & have your pet examined by your veterinarian; collect pet records.
• Ask your vet for a reference for a practitioner in the new city.
• Air travel should be booked four weeks ahead of departure for domestic moves and six to eight weeks prior to international flights.
• If you are moving overseas, your pet must be examined & vaccinated 30 days prior.
• Secure a form of identification to your pet's collar.

At Moving Day:

• When booking a hotel or corporate housing, make sure the management allows pets.
• Before crossing into another state, know that some states have border inspection of all animals.
• Limit feeding of your pets to once a day during the move, preferably in the evening, unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise.
• The appropriate size for a kennel should allow your pet room to stand up, lie down, and turn around in natural positions.
• If you are moving locally, take your pets on several visits to the new home before you move in to familiarize them with their new habitat.

Career Assistance

Here are some steps you may want to take to ensure results and a positive relocation:

• Search Online Job Databases - thousands of jobs searchable by occupation or location.

• Contact friends and acquaintances both in your desired field of work and the area you are moving to, regardless of their field.� Even people in a different industry know the city and can give you ideas on what companies to approach & to avoid; as well, they may know someone in your field and be willing to refer you.

• Subscribe to the Sunday newspaper in the town you are moving to.� Not only should you research want ads, but read the business section as well.

• If one spouse's company is responsible for the move, check with their human resources department to see if they have trailing spouse assistance.

• Contact the Chamber of Commerce. � Most have lists of the top businesses in the area.

• Join local business, civic and networking clubs.

• Contact the State Employment Commission .

• Make appointments with executive recruiters and employment agencies. � Bbe sure to find out if you or the employer is charged, if they negotiate the hiring contract, if you would actually work for the agency or for the client employer, and carefully review any contract or have an attorney look it over before signing.

• Sign up with a temporary agency. � This can provide you with a job and income while you continue your search; in addition, many temp jobs lead to permanent employment.

• Consider your own business , as either a part-time or interim business, or as a whole new career direction!